Klaus Knopper is the creator of Knoppix and co-founder of LinuxTag expo. He currently works as a teacher, programmer, and consultant. If you have a configuration problem, or if you just want to learn more about how Linux works, send your questions to: klaus@linux-magazine.com

The double-sided DVD attached to this issue comes with 32- and 64-bit versions of the latest release from the openSUSE project. openSUSE 12.2 continues in the long tradition of SUSE Linux, offering a full-featured system that is ready for the server room yet friendly enough for the desktop.

OpenSSH VPN technology, installed by default on most Linux, BSD, and Unix systems, lets you mix and match different clients and servers easily.

Patent law is a very imperfect tool for establishing moral culpability. Whether you favor patents or not, it is important to face the fact that patent law is a construct of the business world. Patents protect opportunities for patent holders and restrict opportunities for others – all for some supposedly greater purpose, we are told, but in any case, none of this ever has the clarity that will allow you to point your finger at a violator as you would at someone who stole your car. So I don’t have a lot of faith in patents, but I still have a feeling you’ll do better in life if you come up with your own solutions.